STLBEAST workshop mode

Top Layer Gaps and Pillowing

Fix holes, infill showing through, weak top skins, rough ridges, and pillowed top surfaces.

Start hereIncrease effective top thickness and support it with adequate infill, cooling, and flow; do not solve every top-surface problem by adding many top layers blindly.

First safe actionRun the first safe check and change one variable at a time.

Proof targetA small representative test no longer shows the original symptom.

Problem, repair steps and target result for top layer gaps and pillowing — Match the failed area to the visual before changing a setting.

Repair progress0 of 7 complete

Step 1 of 7

Confirm global extrusion is healthy.

Visual reference while completing step 1 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

The skin cannot bridge the infill pattern.

Setting or checkTop thickness

Think in millimetres so layer-height changes do not reduce coverage.

Expected result

No holes or infill shadow remain.

Step 2 of 7

Check slicer top thickness, not only number of layers.

Visual reference while completing step 2 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

Top lines span too far.

Setting or checkTop-surface speed

Use slower than infill.

Expected result

Surface is flat without balloons.

Step 3 of 7

Increase top thickness using a value appropriate to layer height.

Visual reference while completing step 3 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

Lines do not meet.

Setting or checkInfill density/pattern

Provide reasonable support without unnecessary material.

Expected result

Part weight/strength is consistent.

Step 4 of 7

Use a denser or more supportive infill pattern if spans are large.

Visual reference while completing step 4 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

Top skin stays soft and sags.

Setting or checkIroning

A finish option, not a fix for holes.

Expected result

Ironing is optional rather than required to hide defects.

Step 5 of 7

Slow top-surface speed.

Visual reference while completing step 5 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

Lines do not settle consistently.

Setting or checkTop thickness

Think in millimetres so layer-height changes do not reduce coverage.

Expected result

No holes or infill shadow remain.

Step 6 of 7

Tune cooling and temperature for the material.

Visual reference while completing step 6 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

The skin cannot bridge the infill pattern.

Setting or checkTop-surface speed

Use slower than infill.

Expected result

Surface is flat without balloons.

Step 7 of 7

Use monotonic/top-surface options only after structural coverage is correct.

Visual reference while completing step 7 of top layer gaps and pillowing — Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.

Why this matters

Top lines span too far.

Setting or checkInfill density/pattern

Provide reasonable support without unnecessary material.

Expected result

Part weight/strength is consistent.

Controlled test log

Change one variable, then record what happened

This keeps temperature, retraction, speed, mechanical, and material tests from blending together. The history stays private in this browser.

Open proof report →

No controlled tests logged yet. Record the first change before adjusting a second variable.

Do not repeat the full print yet

Prove the repair with a small test

Test modelSmall representative test print

Setup

Use the same printer, material, slicer and key settings as the failed model.

Pass condition

The original symptom is absent and the target feature is repeatable.

If it still fails

The symptom remains in the same location or stage.

Recheck visual diagnosis

Complete the repair steps, run the proof test, and record the result.

Only if the proof test still fails

Next strongest repair paths

Do not stack these changes. Open one related guide based on the evidence that remains.

Visual guide for 3d printer under-extrusion

Extrusion3D Printer Under-Extrusion

Open this related Extrusion guide when the first repair path does not fully explain the remaining symptom.

Open guide →

Visual guide for flow rate and extrusion multiplier calibration

CalibrationFlow Rate and Extrusion Multiplier Calibration

Use this next when the symptom changes with extrusion width or wall thickness.

Open guide →

Visual guide for bridging and sagging fix

SupportsBridging and Sagging Fix

Use this next when unsupported spans droop rather than supports fusing.

Open guide →

Matched next step

Keep the useful workflow going.

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